learn with your community
What better way to learn about food + wellness than to learn from the best that our community has to offer! From True Local suppliers to local chefs + artisans, we’re always on the look-out for exciting opportunities to share knowledge and meet new people.
Rahul Joshi
Instructor Bio
With a background in fine dining back in his home country of India and previous experience working in a leading 5 Star hotel restaurant, Rahul Joshi is currently the Head Chef for Finley’s Bar & Grill and Sage Tapas & Wine Bar. His culinary expedition has been a diverse and enriching one. Throughout the years, Rahul has explored various cuisines, embracing different cooking methods. Rahul is passionate about creating culinary masterpieces that bring joy to the soul. For him, cooking is like driving — a skill that, once acquired, opens endless possibilities. He believes that recipes are like maps, guiding you to your desired culinary destination. Rahul is ready to embark on a flavorful journey through all his class offerings at the Kootenay Co-op.
Zen Wang
Instructor Bio
Zen is a polymath renaissance man who is drawn to anything that is challenging and worthwhile. He was introduced to cooking by his late mother. She taught him five easy meals in order to prepare him for University. Today his repertoire has expanded to more than 50 dishes from many different traditions and cultures. He has won cooking contests and has been educating seniors on nutritional balances and the culinary arts. When he’s not teaching or cooking, Zen volunteers at the firehall as a certified Fire Rescuer and makes sculptures for the Castlegar Sculpture Walk. He also hosts a weekly radio show on Kootenay Coop Radio.
Maggie Jones
Instructor Bio
Maggie has been teaching, lecturing and writing about health and nutrition for as long as some of us have been around and has raised three healthy and vibrant vegetarian children into adulthood. Maggie is passionate about and committed to living a natural healthy lifestyle, with a focus on fun and enjoyment.
Aeryon Ashlie
Instructor Bio
Aeryon Ashlie is a renowned holistic nutritionist, keynote speaker, a #1 Best Selling Author, and the visionary behind Aeryon Wellness Supplements. As the founder of Aeryon Wellness, she has been instrumental in promoting holistic health among women from various backgrounds for almost 20 years. Aeryon Ashlie resides in Vancouver, BC with her daughter and their beloved labradoodle, continuing to inspire and empower women in their journey towards holistic health.